Dr. Lawrence Butler

The Bridge Church, Pembroke

Lesson 3: Chap.1:12-21 Following the presentation of the seven-step process of spiritual fulfillment the Apostle Peter turns to the concept of, “What’s next?” 

He realizes that he is here for only a short period of time, and it is important that he continue to remind them of the prophetic truth that Jesus Christ is the Promised Messiah. There is an understanding that the Gospel message of Christ as our Savior had been and would continue to be challenged. The church must be totally convinced of the teaching of the Apostles. Peter claimed “a more sure word of prophecy” (1:19) than could ever have been presented by the Old Testament Prophets because the Apostles were eyewitnesses of Christ’s glory.

Two examples of their experiences may be quickly pointed out. First, at the Baptism of Jesus, they heard the voice of God Almighty thunder from heaven, telling all who would hear, “…This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matt. 3:17). The second powerful experience of the disciples (Peter, James and John) was that which occurred on the Mount of Transfiguration (Matt. 17).

Their testimony of seeing Moses and Elijah (representing the Law and the Prophets from the Old Testament) appear and talk with Jesus, and then hearing the voice of God once again identifying Jesus as the Son of God, was probably the most electrifying life experience of these men, at least until the Day of Pentecost. They heard once again, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him” (Matt. 17:5). No wonder Peter claimed a “more sure word of prophecy.”

The certainty of the prophetic fulfillment by Jesus Christ as the Messiah, the promised Savior, is presented as having been certified. Predicted by the Prophets of the Old Testament (particularly the powerful prophecies of Isaiah), but now confirmed by the very voice of God from heaven, there can be no doubt about the gospel message that Jesus Christ is our Savior.

The Gospel message of Jesus as Savior and Redeemer is the “light that shineth in a dark place” (v.19). “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised…” (Luke 4:18). It is our duty as Christians to share this message with the world.